Care home opens in Knaresborough

Guests of honour at the celebration opening event were Dr David Bellamy OBE and Mrs Rosemary Bellamy, and Councillors Andrew and Christine Willoughby the Mayor and Mayoress of Knaresborough.

The £7 million Manor House at Hambleton Grove provides residential and dementia care.

Welcoming guests to the opening event Hadrian Healthcare Group owner and chairman Ian Watson said: “Each of our homes is unique due to their site and surroundings, but for all of them we aim for the highest standards in care and accommodation.

“I’d like to thank the team involved in creating The Manor House, most of whom we’ve worked with on many previous projects. The design is traditional with a contemporary twist. It is beautiful and it also has a warmth - it’s very important to us that our residents feel comfortable and at home.

“We’re right in the heart of the community and we’re delighted to be establishing The Manor House in Knaresborough.”

Councillor Andrew Willoughby, Mayor of Knaresborough said: “It’s a real pleasure to be here, it’s a total transformation of the site.”

This is the fifth Hadrian Healthcare home David and Rosemary Bellamy have helped open. Rosemary said: “This is a real home residents can relax in and enjoy. It’s an amazing new Manor House.”

The Manor House has been designed both for residents’ privacy and with areas for social events including family, friends and the community. The interior is light, bright and spacious. Furnishings are luxurious and comfortable, and carefully chosen colours, textures and accessories create a homely feel.

All suites are beautifully appointed each with private en-suite bathroom facilities. The home is designed to reflect a community within a community with a residents’ bar and café, numerous bistros and a purpose designed hair and beauty salon as well as a whole suite dedicated to resident wellness including massage, foot spa and occupational therapy.

For people with dementia and other memory impairments the ‘Chesters’ accommodation in The Manor House is specifically designed to provide surroundings that are homely, safe and stimulating. Staff are specially trained to help manage the needs of residents with varying degrees of dementia and at all times care is person-centred.

Lisa Turnbull, manager of The Manor House said: “Our aim is for all our residents to enjoy a new and enriching chapter of their life with us. Moving to The Manor House is a lifestyle choice. Residents can enjoy their new home where support is always available as well as being in touch with family and friends and maintaining their interests.

“Our staff take pride in making a difference to the lives of our residents and their families. Each person’s care is based on their individual needs, making sure each person is involved in the decisions about their care and accommodation.”

As well as care staff a team of in-house chefs prepare all the catering using locally sourced fresh produce, and a lifestyle co-ordinator organises social and special interest activities for each resident.

Hadrian Healthcare chefs have won the National Association of Care Catering ‘Care Cook of the Year’ competition three years in a row. And the company has worked with Northumbria University to optimise its seasonal menus for nutrition and hydration.

“Our staff share our passion and enthusiasm for care to help our residents enjoy this new part of their life to the full,” Lisa continued.

“We believe the key to this is training, and we’re keen for all our staff to fulfil their potential. We encourage and support all our staff to develop their knowledge and skills and this commitment is recognised through our Investors in People Silver award.”

Respite care can also be arranged at The Manor House. Sometimes people need a short break away from their home, maybe for convalescence after hospital treatment, or they may be uncertain about moving into a care home permanently. Respite care can be as flexible as people require in terms of length of stay and ensuring all of their needs and expectations are met during their stay.

The opening of the Knaresborough home follows the last opening of a Hadrian Manor House at Wetherby in 2013. The sixth Manor House will open at Oulton in Leeds in 2016, and it is hoped construction can start on the Harrogate Manor House development early in 2016.

Hadrian Healthcare Group was established in 1995 and is a family owned business with head office in Gateshead. The company is renowned for the provision of exceptionally high standards of accommodation and care.